Years ago, while watching an early Sunday morning golf show a professional teacher talked about the athletic move. He suggested that almost every sport had the same motion and, if we learned this motion, we would be successful at whatever we would do. I am not sure why this short excerpt has stuck with me over the years since, however, I increasingly believe this unknown presenter gave me an incredible truth. Most sports do have the same motion; if I practice, refine, and execute the motion I find my power and control increases dramatically! Squash, baseball, cricket, and golf easily fit. It is amazing!
I wonder if there are power keys for everything that we attempt to do. The answer is probably, but we do not know what they are. Experience is often a good teacher. For example, keeping eye contact with your audience is an important power tool. Writing as you would naturally talk is another. Keeping the fact that one's goal is to share information always helps! Code words, slang, and inner circle jokes work well on the inside, but in a group presentation they can come across as condescending or insulting. Does one stand and sit straight? Is it important to look people in the eye when you talk? What is the athletic move in life?
In my work with people, I find that I cannot find expressions of true power in fear or pain. These emotions do not motivate or encourage beyond a few seconds or minutes. Real power comes when a person expresses trust, absolute and total trust in another.
God trusted humanity to play a critical role in the judgement of his character. He stood accused of being unfair and unloving. When our fathers crucified God's son, motivated and directed by Evil, the facts were all on the table. God's power continues as his character reaches out to you and me.
What to live, really live? “Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions.” (Proverbs 4.25) God is the source of power that is available to all that ask.
